Tory Irgang introduced our speaker, Josiah Lamp, who is the Director of Housing and Community Development at Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. The organization’s mission is to fight poverty by empowering people to build assets and reach economic independence. He directs programs ranging from homelessness prevention to homeownership to housing rehabilitation.
He serves as President of the Chautauqua County Homeless Coalition and President of the Board of Directors for the New York State Rural Housing Coalition. He has 15 years of experience in non-profit management with a B.A. from Wheaton College and an M.A. in Community Development and Planning from Clark University. He lives in Fredonia, New York, with his wife Erin, and their three children.
Mr. Lamp shared homelessness statistics for the past eight years with the Rotary members, showing significant increases in several categories. He announced the coming women’s shelter on Lafayette Street that will be called HOPE HAVEN. It will provide housing for 18 women in 12 rooms, that will be completely remodeled to provide mostly private, secure, facilities each with a bathroom, kitchen and living room in addition to a bedroom. The common areas on the first floor will house a community room, laundry, and offices for 24-hour staff. Guests will be short-term, staying only one to two months. Construction will begin in the spring on this $4 million facility that is completely funded except for furniture.
